Winnipeg defenseman Jacob Trouba and his agent, Kurt Overhardt, are “expected to meet this week to strategize” for contract negotiations with the Jets, according to TSN’s Frank Seravalli.
Whenever the talks get underway, it could be an interesting negotiation, and not just because Ovehardt’s involved. (Ask the Columbus Blue Jackets about him.)
It could also be interesting because Trouba, 22, can become a restricted free agent on July 1, and he plays for a team that already has big money committed to defensemen Dustin Byfuglien, Tyler Myers and Toby Enstrom.
Trade rumors surrounded Trouba for much of the season, many of them involving Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic. And when the Jets re-signed Byfuglien, the speculation only intensified.
Granted, there’s good reason for the Jets to consider re-signing the young blue-liner. Trouba was drafted ninth overall in 2012, and he’s shown great promise during his three pro years. In addition, not re-signing Andrew Ladd opened up some cap space for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff.
At the same time, if Cheveldayoff doesn’t like the numbers that Overhardt throws at him, there would be no shortage of interest in Trouba on the trade market. The Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and Detroit Red Wings are all desperate to upgrade their blue lines. And there would be more more suitors than that, because big, young defensemen that skate well are such a valuable commodity in today’s NHL.
So much so that, if you’ve got one, you’d better be pretty sure before you trade one.
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